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On August 16, 2106 your Hazmat negotiating committee met with the contractors to continue collective bargaining.

The committee is pleased to report that the parties had constructive discussions regarding the industry and the renewal of the collective agreement.

Although we remain far apart from an overall settlement the meeting was one of our most productive. We have set additional meeting dates in August and September.

DC38 Victoria Update

Sept. 16/16

‘Nothing like this in 20 years’ for DC38 glaziers in Victoria

Construction is booming on southern Vancouver Island.

“With our dynamic approach to the market, and the solid partnerships we have developed with our contractors, we are involved in a healthy share of local projects,” says Maureen Allen, IUPAT DC38 Business Representative.

“We are recruiting now for all our Trades – Drywall Finishers, Painters, and Hazardous Material Workers, and are doubling our number of Glaziers for current projects.”

A key local contractor is Redline Glass which was created in early 2015 when Nathan Suter took over a long-time Victoria glass company.  Nathan is an Island native who completed a glazing apprenticeship through DC38 and worked on dozens of projects before moving into the management side of the business in 2002.

“In our short time as Redline Glass, our affiliation with DC38 has helped us grow; we’ve proven we can take on any scale of project” says Nathan.  “DC38’s collaboration on continuing education, training and safety, ensures Redline always brings the most skilled experts possible to every job, regardless of size.”

Redline Glass and DC38 glaziers are working on two of Victoria’s highest profile construction projects:

• Capital Park; an office, retail, and residential complex covering a six acre site facing the Provincial Legislature, by the South Block Development Corporation. South Block is a partnership of Concert and Jawl Properties, two prominent developers well known for their commitment to the local community and environment.
• 1515 Douglas; a two-tower office and retail complex across from Victoria City Hall, another Jawl Properties development.

“These high profile projects are great showcases for the skill, professionalism, and construction integrity that our members bring to the job,” says Maureen.

Maureen and Nathan both agree that being part of these exciting developments is of benefit to DC38 membership, providing long term employment and apprenticeship opportunities for current and future DC38 Members.

“Our ultimate goal at Redline is consistency” says Nathan “In terms of our DC38 members that means stable income so they can afford to enjoy the great quality of life the Island has to offer, and continued professional development to allow them to succeed personally and professionally.  DC38 has taken an active role in helping us achieve these goals.”

The negotiating committee met with the employers on October 6, 2016, regarding the non-ratification of the current offer of settlement. The employers stated that they were unprepared to adjust the offer and that the Union should treat it as a final offer.

Because of the previous low voter turnout, we will be conducting a re-vote of the Employer’s “Final Offer of Settlement”. DC38 and the negotiating committee will need a clear mandate from the membership before any further actions can be contemplated.

Please make every effort to attend and cast your ballot at the upcoming meeting in your area, on Saturday October 22, 2016. The official meeting notice will be sent out later this week.

Dave Holmes,
Business Manager.

hazmat-moa-2016

Many in B.C. are suffering through the freezing snap that descended on the province this week.

With temperatures continuing to lurk stubbornly below the freezing mark, both WorkSafeBC and Environment Canada are urging people to stay safe when they’re outdoors, especially if they have to brave the cold for an extended period of time.

WorkSafeBC spokesperson Trish Knight Chernecki says below-freezing temperatures can…

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